Manufacturing Operator Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's manufacturing sector spans food processing, farm equipment, and advanced industrial production, with major employers like John Deere, Quaker Oats, and Tyson Foods operating facilities across Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Waterloo. International manufacturing operators find visa sponsorship opportunities concentrated in these production hubs, particularly within large-scale operations that have established immigration support infrastructure.
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INTRODUCTION
Are you a construction-minded professional with a passion for building and making a lasting impact in the industry? At EFCO, we don’t just build concrete structures, we build careers, partnerships, and opportunities. Established in 1934, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that make construction safer and more efficient.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, EFCO is a growing, people-focused company committed to Quality, Integrity, Innovation, and Super Service. From engineering and design to manufacturing and field support, we help customers turn vision into reality while achieving the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC).
PURPOSE:
Operate laser and plasma cutting systems to fabricate steel parts to production standards. Handle setup, programming, inspection, and material movement with attention to safety, accuracy, and equipment care.
EFCO CULTURE & SAFETY STATEMENT
Act with Integrity by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for Quality through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace Innovation by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver Super Service by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.
At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Load and Prepare Material (20%):
Select and position the correct steel on the machine’s cutting bed using material handling equipment. Confirm item numbers and align materials for efficient processing. -
Operate CNC Cutting Equipment (25%):
Use the machine controller to retrieve and run the appropriate cutting program. Adjust torch settings based on material thickness, align the starting point, and initiate the cutting process. -
Remove and Identify Cut Parts (15%):
Sort finished pieces, confirm part identification, and perform basic cleaning of components. Return scrap material for reuse where applicable. -
Program and Adjust Machine Functions (10%):
Make on-the-fly programming changes or full setups as needed for new or custom production runs. Monitor machine performance and adjust parameters to meet tolerances. -
Perform Quality and Maintenance Tasks (15%):
Inspect parts for conformance, perform required quality audits, and maintain accurate production records in work orders and Kronos. Complete routine machine maintenance and report issues. -
Maintain a Clean and Safe Work Area (15%):
Follow all environmental and safety procedures, participate in training and safety programs, and keep the workspace clean and organized.
Additional duties may be assigned as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing to meet organizational goals and priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: Experience operating CNC cutting systems (laser/plasma).
- Certification(s) and License(s): N/A
- Leadership: N/A
- Computer Skills: N/A
- Other Requirements: Ability to read and interpret blueprints; familiarity with measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, and tape measures; must pass EFCO’s internal test.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.
- Direction, Planning, Organization: Sets clear objectives, aligns efforts, and manages time and resources to achieve results.
- Responsibility: Takes ownership of actions, tasks, and outcomes; follows through on commitments.
- Analysis: Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes.
- Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Level II Work: Exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Climbing: Rarely
- Hearing & Speaking: Continuously.
- Vision: Continuously
- Balancing: Occasionally to Frequently, depending on the work environment.
- Standing: Frequently to Continuously
- Sitting: Rarely to Continuously
- Walking: Frequently
- Forward Bend in Standing: Occasionally to Frequently
- Rotation in Standing: Occasionally
- Squatting: Occasionally to Frequently
- Kneeling: Occasionally to Frequently
- Stooping: Occasionally to Frequently
- Static postures: Occasionally to Frequently
- Right-hand Left-hand Coordination: Continuous
- Reaching: Frequently
- Crawling: Occasionally
- Crouching: Occasionally to Frequently
- Repetitive Motions- Shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers: Continuously
- Elevated work: Crown level 5 lbs up to 2 mins occasionally, and rarely 20 lbs up to 20 secs
- Floor to waist vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Waist to crown vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Horizontal carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
- One hand carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
- Push horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
- Pull horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
- One hand pull right hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
- One hand pull left hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
- Left hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
-
Right hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
-
Expertise in:
Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite
Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises, etc.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required
WORKING ARRANGEMENT
This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, Iowa location.
The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.
BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
- Life and AD&D insurance
- 401k options
- PTO
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 10 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
EFCO Culture and Safety
Act with INTEGRITY by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for QUALITY through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace INNOVATION by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver SUPER SERVICE by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.
At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.
EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.
Quality | Integrity | Innovation | Super Service

INTRODUCTION
Are you a construction-minded professional with a passion for building and making a lasting impact in the industry? At EFCO, we don’t just build concrete structures, we build careers, partnerships, and opportunities. Established in 1934, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that make construction safer and more efficient.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, EFCO is a growing, people-focused company committed to Quality, Integrity, Innovation, and Super Service. From engineering and design to manufacturing and field support, we help customers turn vision into reality while achieving the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC).
PURPOSE:
Operate laser and plasma cutting systems to fabricate steel parts to production standards. Handle setup, programming, inspection, and material movement with attention to safety, accuracy, and equipment care.
EFCO CULTURE & SAFETY STATEMENT
Act with Integrity by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for Quality through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace Innovation by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver Super Service by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.
At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Load and Prepare Material (20%):
Select and position the correct steel on the machine’s cutting bed using material handling equipment. Confirm item numbers and align materials for efficient processing. -
Operate CNC Cutting Equipment (25%):
Use the machine controller to retrieve and run the appropriate cutting program. Adjust torch settings based on material thickness, align the starting point, and initiate the cutting process. -
Remove and Identify Cut Parts (15%):
Sort finished pieces, confirm part identification, and perform basic cleaning of components. Return scrap material for reuse where applicable. -
Program and Adjust Machine Functions (10%):
Make on-the-fly programming changes or full setups as needed for new or custom production runs. Monitor machine performance and adjust parameters to meet tolerances. -
Perform Quality and Maintenance Tasks (15%):
Inspect parts for conformance, perform required quality audits, and maintain accurate production records in work orders and Kronos. Complete routine machine maintenance and report issues. -
Maintain a Clean and Safe Work Area (15%):
Follow all environmental and safety procedures, participate in training and safety programs, and keep the workspace clean and organized.
Additional duties may be assigned as required by business necessity may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing to meet organizational goals and priorities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Experience: Experience operating CNC cutting systems (laser/plasma).
- Certification(s) and License(s): N/A
- Leadership: N/A
- Computer Skills: N/A
- Other Requirements: Ability to read and interpret blueprints; familiarity with measuring tools including calipers, micrometers, and tape measures; must pass EFCO’s internal test.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Technical Skills: Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.
- Direction, Planning, Organization: Sets clear objectives, aligns efforts, and manages time and resources to achieve results.
- Responsibility: Takes ownership of actions, tasks, and outcomes; follows through on commitments.
- Analysis: Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes.
- Judgment: Makes sound decisions by evaluating facts, risks, and potential outcomes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Level II Work: Exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or 25 lbs. of force frequently, and/or 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects.
To ensure a safe work environment while meeting the physical demands of the job you must be able to perform the following physical and mental tasks with or without a reasonable accommodation:
- Climbing: Rarely
- Hearing & Speaking: Continuously.
- Vision: Continuously
- Balancing: Occasionally to Frequently, depending on the work environment.
- Standing: Frequently to Continuously
- Sitting: Rarely to Continuously
- Walking: Frequently
- Forward Bend in Standing: Occasionally to Frequently
- Rotation in Standing: Occasionally
- Squatting: Occasionally to Frequently
- Kneeling: Occasionally to Frequently
- Stooping: Occasionally to Frequently
- Static postures: Occasionally to Frequently
- Right-hand Left-hand Coordination: Continuous
- Reaching: Frequently
- Crawling: Occasionally
- Crouching: Occasionally to Frequently
- Repetitive Motions- Shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers: Continuously
- Elevated work: Crown level 5 lbs up to 2 mins occasionally, and rarely 20 lbs up to 20 secs
- Floor to waist vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Waist to crown vertical lift: Frequently 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs
- Horizontal carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
- One hand carry: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally up to 50 lbs for 25 feet
- Push horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
- Pull horizontally: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs
- One hand pull right hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
- One hand pull left hand: Frequently 25 lbs, Occasionally 50 lbs for 20 ft
- Left hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
-
Right hand repetitive coupling: Frequently 65 lbs, Occasionally up to 80 lbs
-
Expertise in:
Ability to regularly perform all job functions at company office or worksite
Ability to withstand environmental conditions such as extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, noises, etc.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment as required
WORKING ARRANGEMENT
This role will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, Iowa location.
The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.
BENEFITS
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Savings Account
- Life and AD&D insurance
- 401k options
- PTO
- Tuition Reimbursement
- 10 paid holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
EFCO Culture and Safety
Act with INTEGRITY by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for QUALITY through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace INNOVATION by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver SUPER SERVICE by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.
At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries – no matter how minor – immediately to their supervisor or manager.
EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee’s employment term, at the sole discretion of management.
Quality | Integrity | Innovation | Super Service
Manufacturing Operator Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Manufacturing Operator Jobs in IowaManufacturing Operator Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for manufacturing operators in Iowa?
Large manufacturers with established HR and legal infrastructure are the most consistent sponsors. In Iowa, that includes John Deere (with major facilities in Waterloo and Davenport), Quaker Oats, Tyson Foods, and Collins Aerospace. These employers have the volume and resources to support H-1B or EB-3 sponsorship processes, which smaller Iowa manufacturers typically do not.
Which visa types are most common for manufacturing operator roles in Iowa?
Most manufacturing operator sponsorships in Iowa go through the EB-3 (unskilled or skilled worker) immigrant visa category, since many operator roles do not require a bachelor's degree. The H-2B visa covers temporary non-agricultural workers and is used by some Iowa facilities for seasonal production surges. H-1B sponsorship is less common for operator roles but does appear at companies where the position requires specialized technical qualifications.
How to find manufacturing operator visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find manufacturing operator roles in Iowa that offer visa sponsorship. The platform filters specifically for sponsoring employers, so you're not sorting through listings that won't support work authorization. Focus your search on Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, and Davenport, where Iowa's highest concentration of production facilities and established manufacturers are located.
Which cities in Iowa have the most manufacturing operator sponsorship jobs?
Waterloo and Cedar Rapids lead for manufacturing employment in Iowa, anchored by John Deere's large Waterloo operations and a mix of food processing and industrial manufacturers in Cedar Rapids. Davenport, as part of the Quad Cities metro, also has significant production activity. Des Moines offers a broader employer base but tends toward lighter manufacturing and distribution rather than heavy production.
Are there state-specific considerations for manufacturing operator visa sponsorship in Iowa?
Iowa's manufacturing workforce is heavily tied to agriculture-adjacent industries, meaning seasonal production cycles at food processing plants can affect hiring timelines. Employers sponsoring through EB-3 must complete PERM labor certification, which requires demonstrating no qualified U.S. workers are available. Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa produce engineering and technical graduates, so some facilities face a competitive local talent pool when justifying international sponsorship for skilled operator roles.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored manufacturing operator jobs in Iowa?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which manufacturing operator employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Iowa right now.
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